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Golf Cart Motor Testing
Golf Cart motors can be DC Series, DC SEPEX or AC.
What type of motor do I have?
To identify an AC motor in a golf cart, look for three large cables connected to the motor. Additionally, the motor should have a label indicating it is an AC motor, often with "AC" printed on it.
How to test a AC Golf Cart Motor - To test an AC golf cart motor, you typically need to check the resistance between the motor's terminals to ensure they are equal. If there is a mismatch something is wrong. There should be no continuity between any terminal and the motor body. However, a proper test requires a controller to operate the motor, as it cannot be bench tested as a standalone device.
To identify a DC motor Sepex or Series.
Below is from Buggies Gone Wild Forum. Full explanation under Golf Cart Repair and Troubleshooting Electric EZGO. Post - Sepex Motors explained for dummies (by JohnneiB).
Sepex (Regen) Golf carts with Regenerative braking systems. SepEx stands for Separately Excited and means the stationary windings and the moveable windings are excited (powered) from separate power sources.
- If you have a Run / Tow or Run / Maint. switch under the seat it is a Regen motor.
- If your golf cart motor has wires coming out the end and has a speed sensor it is a Regen Motor.
- If your golf cart has a toggle switch for the Forward / Reverse Selector you have a regen cart.
- Lastly if you are under the golf cart and you see two different size threaded wire anchor bolts 2x @1/4″-20 and 2x @5/16″-20 it is a regen motor.
Series Motor Golf Cart
- If you look under the seat and you Do NOT have a Run / Tow or Run / Maint. Switch it is a Series Motor System.
- If you do not have wires coming out the end of the motor or speed sensor you have plain motor or Series motor system.
- If your golf cart has a handle and throw lever for the Forward / Reverse Selector you have a Series Motor.
- Lastly if you are under the golf cart and you see two different sets of threaded anchor bolts but all are the same size 5/16″-20 it is a series motor.
